Carter impressed by new-look All Blacks

Dan Carter has praised the way New Zealand have responded following his and Richie McCaw's retirement from international rugby.

Carter and former captain McCaw were among six veterans to end their international careers following the All Blacks' successful Rugby World Cup campaign last year.

Kieran Read has taken over the captaincy and enjoyed a strong start as New Zealand claimed a 3-0 Test series whitewash over Wales.

And fly-half Carter, who won the Top 14 title with Racing 92 after joining the French side following the World Cup, told TVNZ: "I was extremely impressed but it's what I expected. They're such a formidable outfit.

"All the talk of the players leaving, they were an experienced enough group with the same coaching staff.

"I knew they were just going to continue from the success at the World Cup.

"All the young guys stepped up and I've become a huge fan now. I can sit back and watch them and have really enjoyed the style of play in June."